Author: Brittany Walker Konsella

Frank and I have a reputation. We have a reputation for taking people on things that crush them. In other words, we “Konsella” them. We’d like to think we’re getting better at not doing such things. But, many-a-friend can attest to being “Konsella-ed” themselves. See, the thing is, how can we refrain from “Konsella-ing” our friends when every now and then we “Konsella” ourselves?

That’s what happened to Heather and I while mountain biking Interocean Pass to Lamborn. This ride simply crushed us down to the soul.

Monarch Pass harbors some of the best alpine mountain biking in Colorado. But, since most trails are on the south side of Highway 50, most mountain bikers find themselves concentrated there. What happens if you ride on the north side of the highway? You’ll encounter even more (and better) scenery, some beautiful alpine lakes, and the most challenging descent that this area has to offer. It’s a worthy visit for those up for adventure!

There’s something special about mountain biking on peaks. Plenty of mountain biking trails are accessible throughout Colorado, many of them don’t go to or near a peak. So, when I hear about a trail that allows you to ride to the top of a peak, or at least close to it, the trail piques my interest. Fairview Peak, near the Fossil Ridge area, was one trail that had been on the back of my mind for some time – after spying it during a backpacking trip in the Fossil Ridge Wilderness. But TrailQuest finally gave me a reason to explore mountain biking on Fairview Peak.

So, how did Fooses compare to the other descent options? Silver Creek is certainly the easiest descent and I think Green Creek and Fooses are among the most technically difficult. Both Green Creek and Fooses are rockier than the other descent options. I would say I actually had an easier time descending Green Creek rather than Fooses, although I think Fooses had a little more flowy sections at times compared to Greens. Either way, they are both pretty comparable in the end. Fooses is just shorter than Greens and certainly has more wildflowers!

Frank and I have been riding Canyon Creek, a fantastic mountain bike trail near Whitepine, for years. It was such a great trail that we paid little attention to the other trails that intersect this lovely descent. But, enter TrailQuest which has prompted us to do so. And these trails have been fun to explore!

I have a library of guidebooks. Some of them are for hiking and climbing, some are for backcountry skiing. But, I also have a collection dedicated to mountain biking. However, with the advent of the smart phone and the GPS capabilities that come along with it, mountain biking guidebooks seem to have gone by the wayside. My books are collecting a lot of dust.

Various apps and mapping programs that can be integrated into our phones have changed how we ride and what we ride. More and more people are adventuring into lesser known terrain. Here’s a look at what we think are the best apps for navigation while mountain biking.

The TrailQuest has led to some epic days on the bike, it’s also taken us to explore some really fantastic trails. I can’t say enough about the area near Cochetopa Hills / Sargents Mesa / Needle Creek, just south of the tiny town of Sargents. There’s some great riding to be had there. And other than the Colorado Trail Segment, you’re likely to be on the trail alone. The loop that encompasses Milk Creek to Colorado Trail to Longbranch is an excellent loop for the more adventurous rider seeking less-than-standard trails.

Mount Edwards is one of those peaks that even many backcountry skiers haven’t really heard of. Accessed from the same trailhead at Bakerville as Torreys, Grays, and even Grizzly Peak, Mount Edwards sits in the shadows of these classic peaks. But, Mount Edwards can hold its own, and the lines that it offers can arguably be better than what’s offered on its sister peaks. Certainly you’re bound to see less people on Mount Edwards too.

I have a long history with Mount Rainier. I was just 14 years old when our plane flew alongside her and I was mesmerized – so much that I decided I wanted to go to college in Seattle, just so I could be close to Mount Rainier. But, after visiting the University of Washington campus and being disappointed, I set my sights elsewhere and ended up in Boulder. Still, Mount Rainier hung in my mind. My dad and I eventually climbed her in the mid-90’s, fully guided with RMI. The famed Dave Hahn was our lead guide.

But, then became a ski mountaineer and my eyes gazed back to Mount Rainier. I needed to ski her. Two previous volcano-skiing trips to the Pacific Northwest were fruitful, but did not give ample opportunity for skiing Rainier. After missing last ski season due to injury, and coming back to a rather mediocre season in Colorado, I needed something. I needed a big goal, something that would be the highlight of my season. I decided that would be Rainier.

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